John Mason Neale (trans.) · 63 of 89

Ode 9: The Lord draws nigh, the righteous Throne's Assessor

ODE IX.

The LORD draws nigh, the righteous Throne’s Assessor, The just to save, to punish the transgressor: Weep we, and mourn, and pray, Regardful of that day; When all the secrets of all hearts shall be Lit with the blaze of full eternity.

Clouds and thick darkness o’er the Mount assembling, Moses beheld the Eternal’s glory, trembling; And yet he might but see GOD’s feebler Majesty. And I—I Needs must view His fullest Face: O Spare me, LORD! O take me to Thy grace!

David of old beheld, in speechless terror, The session of the Judge—the doom of error: And what have I to plead For mercy in my need? Nothing save this: O grant me yet to be, Ere that day come, renewed and true to Thee!

Here, fires of deep damnation roar and glitter: The worm is deathless, and the cup is bitter: There, day that hath no morrow, And joy that hath no sorrow: And who so blest that he shall fly the abyss, Raised up to GOD’s Right Hand, and speechless bliss!

My soul with many an act of sin is wounded: With mortal weakness is my frame surrounded: My life is well nigh o’er: The Judge is at the door: How wilt thou, miserable spirit, fare, What time He sends His summons through the air?